Paul's Conversion and Independence

13

For you have heard of my way of living in time past in Judaism, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it.

14

I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15

But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace,

16

to reveal his Son in me, that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood,

17

nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were emissaries before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.

18

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.

19

But of the other emissaries I saw no one, except Jacob, the Lord’s brother.

20

Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I’m not lying.

21

Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

22

I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Messiah,

23

but they only heard: “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.”

24

And they glorified God in me.